APPLESOX END HOMESTAND WITH CONSECUTIVE WINS

WENATCHEE, Wash. - The Wenatchee AppleSox wrapped up their first homestand of the 2018 season with an 8-3 victory over the Highline Bears. The AppleSox took two of three from three different non-league opponents in Wenatchee's first three home games of the season at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. 

In all three wins this season entering Thursday night, AppleSox starters have gone at least six innings. That trend continued on Thursday as Tyson Yamane allowed one run over seven innings. 

At the plate, AppleSox batters drew nine walks and collected four extra-base hits. The AppleSox also capitalized on four errors, marking the third time in four days that their opponent committed four or more errors.  

Three batters into the game, the Bears took a 1-0 lead on an RBI single after a double. However, the AppleSox tied it up in the bottom half. John Sage walked and advanced to third on a pickoff throwing error. Cory Meyer tied it up with a sacrifice fly to center.

In the second inning, another error led to two more runs. Jeremy Yelland and Joey Magro led off with walks and both stole third and second base, respectively. While taking the bags, Highline's third baseman Carter Wallace could not handle the throw and both runners moved up 90 more feet and the AppleSox took the lead. After the Sox drew two more walks, Sage singled in Magro to make it 3-1, AppleSox.

The next inning, the AppleSox scored three more runs, two of which came with two outs. Sam Swenson doubled with one and out and scored two batters later on a Magro single. After Nolan McCafferty singled, Taylor Poffenroth drove both runners in with an RBI double.

After neither team struck in the fourth, the AppleSox got another run on the board in the bottom of the fifth. Yelland reached on an error and scored two batters later on a double by McCafferty. 

Neither team would score again until Swenson hit a solo home run in the eighth. Highline answered with a two-run homer in the top of the ninth, but that was all they would get. 

The AppleSox now head to Portland for the first of a three-game set against the Pickles. It's the first time that the AppleSox and Pickles will meet in West Coast League play. First pitch on Friday is set for 7:05 p.m.

APPLESOX WRAP UP FIRST HOMESTAND OF 2018 TONIGHT

APPLESOX (2-1 WCL, 1-1 non-league)

v.s.

Highline Bears (0-4)

7:05 p.m.

Paul Thomas Sr. Field

After splitting their first two games against non-league opponents, the Wenatchee AppleSox wrap up their first homestand of the season on Thursday night against the Highline Bears of the Pacific International League. 

Probable Pitchers

AppleSox: Tyson Yasmane

Bears: TBD

Last Game

The AppleSox got in the win column at home with a 9-2 victory over the Northwest Honkers last night. Trailing 2-0 entering the bottom of the fourth, the AppleSox rallied to take a lead they would not relinquish, scoring all nine of their run in their final five innings at the plate. 

Sam Wong was strong on the mound, becoming the third AppleSox starter through five games this year to toss at least six innings and pick up the victory. He allowed two runs in seven innings and struck out five in his first start of the summer. 

At the plate, John Sage and Mason Marenco led the way. Sage reached base four base times and Marenco hit a pair of RBI doubles. Alix Garcia drew three walks and Jordan Rathbone had a second consecutive multi-RBI game with an RBI triple and a sacrifice fly.

Wednesday night marked the third straight game in which the AppleSox both scored seven or more runs and had a five-run inning. Last night, the big inning came in the sixth when the AppleSox sent 10 men to the plate.

Tonight's Promotion

Washington Trust Night.

What's Next

Following Thursday's game with Highline, the AppleSox hit the road for a seven-game road trip. It will start with the Sox' first-ever game against the Portland Pickles in the City of Roses.

APPLESOX DEFEAT HONKERS, PICK UP FIRST HOME WIN OF 2018

WENATCHEE, Wash. - On Wednesday night, the Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Northwest Honkers, 9-2, to pick up their first home win of the 2018 season.

Sam Wong only allowed two runs in seven innings pitched and the AppleSox scored five runs in an inning for the third straight game. 

Wong, who struck out five by primarily relying on a strong changeup and devastating curveball, allowed both of his runs in the second inning. However, the AppleSox red-hot bats would pick him up. For the third straight game, Wenatchee scored seven or more runs.

The AppleSox got on the board in the fourth with a single run. Alix Garcia singled with one out and advanced to third after a single and a fielder's choice. Garcia scored when Joey Magro hit a ball to the left side that the Honkers' third baseman could not handle.

In the fifth, the AppleSox got two more to take a lead they would not relinquish. John Sage reached on a fielder's choice and scored two batters later on Jordan Rathbone's triple to left-center field. Rathborne scored a batter later on a wild pitch and a throwing error to the plate by the Honkers' catcher.

The next inning, the floodgates opened. Wenatchee sent a current season-high 10 men to the plate and scored five runs. McKenzie led off with a single and stole both second and third base and Nolan McCafferty lifted a ball to left field that neither the left-fielder nor the centerfielder could handle. The ball dropped and McKenzie scored to make it 4-2, AppleSox. 

Afterward, Taylor Poffenroth singled to put runners at first and second and Sage walked to load the bases. During Mason Marenco's at-bat, the Honkers catcher, Zach Zurbrugg tossed a ball back to the mound that the pitcher, Spencer Trautmann, wasn't ready for. On the play, McCafferty scored.

So, with runners at first and second, Marenco doubled to plate Poffenroth. Sage would score a batter later when Rathbone hit a sacrifice fly to right field. After Garcia and Swenson walked, Marenco scored on another error by Zurbrugg to cap the scoring.

All-in-all, the AppleSox faced four different Honkers' pitchers in the inning and the Honkers committed three of their five errors in the sixth.

The AppleSox concluded the scoring with another run in the seventh. With two outs, Poffenroth was plunked for the second time and he came around to score two batters later on Marenco's second RBI double in as many innings.

Thursday, the AppleSox will conclude their first homestand with a second consecutive game against a team from the Pacific International League when the Highline Bears come to Wenatchee. Tickets can be purchased on AppleSox.com.

APPLESOX READY FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE NON-LEAGUE GAME

APPLESOX (2-1)

v.s.

Northwest Honkers (2-6)

The Wenatchee AppleSox play their second of three consecutive non-league games tonight to open their 2018 home schedule when the Northwest Honkers visit Paul Thomas Sr. Field for the evening. The Honkers are a member of the Pacific International League, which allows for college graduates and former professionals to also play with current college players.

Wenatchee and Northwest last met in 2014, with the AppleSox claiming an 18-7 victory on June 12 at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. 

Probable Pitchers

AppleSox: Sam Wong (4-4, 5.02 ERA with Montana State University Billings)

Honkers: TBD

Last Game

On Tuesday night, the AppleSox fell to the River City Athletics at Paul Thomas Sr. Field in the 2018 home opener. In a non-league, the AppleSox took a 5-0 lead after the first, but would give it up after the Athletics scored three times in the third and added three more in the fourth. 

It was the second straight game that the AppleSox scored seven or more runs. Every AppleSox batter reached base at least once and eight batters reached two or more times. Additionally, the AppleSox thrived when batting with two outs, going 5-10 with three walks in those scenarios. 

Tonight's promotion

This evening, there will be wine tasting available for adult fans aged 21 and over. Horan Estates Winery and Icicle Brewing beer will both have tables on the third-base side near the concessions. 

What's Next

The AppleSox wrap up their first homestand of the year against the Highline Bears. First pitch at Paul Thomas Sr. Field is at 7:05 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the ballpark or online at applesox.com

DESPITE EARLY LEAD, APPLESOX DROP HOME OPENER

WENATCHEE, Wash. - In their first home game of the season, the Wenatchee AppleSox lost to the River City Athletics, 7-6, in a non-league game at Paul Thomas Sr. Field on Tuesday night.

The AppleSox got off to a strong start with a five-run first inning, but could not overcome the rough middle innings and suffered the loss.

For the second time in three days, the AppleSox sent all nine men to the plate in an inning and scored five runs. Sunday, it came in the second inning against Victoria, but tonight, it happened in the first. 

John Sage led off with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. After Mason Marenco walked, Jordan Rathborne, playing in his first game of the season with the AppleSox, singled in Sage and Alix Garcia followed with a sacrifice fly to score Marenco and make it 2-0, AppleSox.

Cory Meyer followed with a walk to put runners at first and second with one out. An out later, Joey Magro tripled to left-center to plate both runners. Nolan McCafferty singled to right to score Magro and make it 5-0. River City starter Jeb Callaghan exited after allowing five runs on four hits in the first inning.

After the Athletics sent nine men to the plate and scored three in the third and then used a three-run homer to take a 6-0 lead in the top of the fourth, the AppleSox responded in the bottom of that same inning. 

After a double play, the AppleSox went to work with two outs. Meyer and Cole McKenzie both singled to put runners at first and second with two outs. Nolan McCafferty picked up his second RBI single of the game to tie the game up. During Taylor Poffenroth's at-bat, River City's first baseman Drew VanKemske couldn't handle a throw over to first and his error allowed the go-ahead run, McKenzie, to score. 

Five of Wenatchee's seven runs on Tuesday night came with two outs. Overall, the AppleSox hit .500 (9-18) with two outs and also drew three walks.

The AppleSox took a 7-6 lead into the fifth, but two pitches into the inning, the Athletics' rightfielder Andrew Vargas homered to left field to tie the game up.

Neither team would strike again until the ninth, when VanKemske walked and scored two batters later on an RBI double by Vargas. The AppleSox put two on in the bottom of the inning, but could not complete the rally.  

Cashmere native Tyler Chipman got the start for the AppleSox and struck out four batters, but could not overcome eight walks en route to allowing six runs. 

Steen Fredrickson struck out seven batters in 3.1-innings of scoreless relief. Fredrickson struck out the side twice and now has nine strikeouts over 4.1-innings in two appearances. 

The AppleSox are back at Paul Thomas Sr. Field on Wednesday night for another non-league game, this one against the Northwest Honkers. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. and tickets are still available at applesox.com and in person at the ballpark.

APPLESOX BEGIN HOME SCHEDULE TONIGHT

APPLESOX (2-1)

v.s.

River City Athletics (2-2)

June 5

Tonight, the Wenatchee AppleSox play their first home game of the 2018 season against the River City Athletics at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. This will be the second straight year that the AppleSox and Athletics clash, with Wenatchee taking both meetings last year.

Probable Pitchers

AppleSox: Tyler Chipman

River City: TBD

Last Series

This past weekend, the AppleSox opened up the 2018 season by taking two of three from the Victoria HarbourCats at Royal Athletic Park. Grady Miller tossed six shutout innings on Friday and a double-steal provided the game-winning run.

After dropping the second game of the three-game set, the AppleSox bounced Sunday, Hunter Boyd struck out eight batters in seven strong innings and took a no-hitter into the fifth inning. The offense scored 14 runs and capitalized on six errors by the HarbourCats.

Offensively, shortstop Mason Marenco led the way with six hits in 10 at-bats. Marenco, an incoming sophomore at Gonzaga, collected 

Local Boy Gets Home-Opening Start

Tyler Chipman, a Cashmere native and incoming freshman at Gonzaga, will get the ball in tonight's home-opener. Chipman, a 2018 Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American, recorded a 0.93 in three appearances (15 innings) this past year for Cashmere High School.

What's Next

Following tonight's game, the AppleSox will remain in Wenatchee for two more games against non-league opponents. Wednesday, they will face the Northwest Honkers and then the Highline Bears on Thursday. Tickets to these games can be purchased in-person at Paul Thomas Sr. Field or online at applesox.com. 

APPLESOX CLOBBER HARBOURCATS, TAKE SEASON-OPENING SERIES

VICTORIA, B.C. - The Wenatchee AppleSox wrapped up their season-opening series with a 14-2 victory over the Victoria HarbourCats on Sunday afternoon at River Athletic Park. With the win, the AppleSox took two of the three meetings with the HarbourCats and improve to 2-1 on the season.

Hunter Boyd led the way for the AppleSox by allowing two runs over seven innings on the mound. Boyd struck out eight, five of which were looking, and didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning en route to picking up the win.

The big breakthrough for the AppleSox bats took place in the second inning, when they scored five runs on five hits off HarbourCats' starter Conner Nantkes. Sam Swenson led off with a single and was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kyle Harvey. After Brady Hinkle singled to put runners at first and third with one out, Joey Magro and JaShaun Simon followed with consecutive singles to score Swenson and Hinkle, respectively. John Sage walked to load up the bases and a Mason Marenco hit into a fielder's choice to score Magro. After Marenco stole second base, he and Simon scored on a flare single to right field by Cory Meyer.

The AppleSox would add singular runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings to pad their lead. With two outs, Hinkle was plunked by reliever Garrison Ritter and then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Two batters later, Simon hit a grounder to the second baseman that was bobbled and an errant throw home played Hinkle.

In the fourth, Marenco led off with a triple to center field for his third extra-base hit of the season in as many games. Alix Garcia's groundout two batters later scored Marenco and made it 7-0, AppleSox.

An inning later, Harvey was hit by a pitch and stole second to lead off the inning. Magro was also plunked and the two runners moved up 90 feet on a wild pitch. Simon's scarifice fly to right field scored Harvey to give the AppleSox an eight-run lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, the HarbourCats broke up Boyd's no-hitter and scored two runs to cut the deficit to six runs. However, the AppleSox wasted no time in getting those two runs back. With one out, Hinkle reached on an error by Victoria's shortstop. Magro doubled to left and he and Hinkle both scored on another error by the shortstop.

The AppleSox added their final four runs in the eighth and ninth innings. Meyer reached on a two-base throwing error by the third baseman in the eigth, then scored on Garcia's RBI single. 

A three-run punch in the ninth capped off the scoring. After Simon singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch, he scored on Sage's single. Marenco singled and Meyer reached on another error to load the bases and Garcia singled in two runs with a single. All three runs in the ninth came with two outs.

The AppleSox return to Wenatchee for their home opener against the River City Athletics on Tuesday night. Before then, the AppleSox will hold their annual Fan Fest on Monday night from 5-7 p.m. Fans can attend a live practice, pick up ticket packages and buy concessions and merchandise. The event is free to attend. 

MARENCO HOMERS, BUT SOX FALL TO HARBOURCATS

VICTORIA, B.C. - Mason Marenco continued his solid start to the 2018 season, but the Wenatchee AppleSox lost 7-1 to the Victoria HarbourCats on Saturday night at Royal Athletic Stadium.

Marenco singled twice, walked and homered to reach base in all four of his plate appearances. His third-inning home run was his second extra-base hit of the season and the first AppleSox homer of the 2018 season.

The HarbourCats struck early and often with identical two-run outbursts in the first and second innings to take an early 4-0 lead. Marenco's homer just below the scoreboard in left-center field cut the deficit to three, but Victoria regained its four-run cushion when a wild pitch allowed a runner to score from third with two outs. 

The HarbourCats scored single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to pad their lead and claim an eventual six-run victory. Victoria's offensive success was buoyed by its ability to get leadoff batters aboard. In six of their eight innings, the HarbourCats' leadoff man reached, including in each of the first three innings. Four of those batters eventually came around to score.

Cameron Dunn, who joined the AppleSox two hours before first pitch, tossed a scoreless eighth in his season debut. 

The AppleSox and HarbourCats will clash again tomorrow in the series finale of their season-opening series. The rubber match is set for 1:05 p.m. from Royal Athletic Stadium. Hunter Boyd will toss for the AppleSox against Connor Nantkes of the HarbourCats. 

MILLER'S STRONG START LEADS APPLESOX TO OPENING NIGHT WIN

VICTORIA, B.C. - The Wenatchee AppleSox (1-0) opened the 2018 season with a 2-1 victory over the Victoria HarbourCats (0-1) on Opening Night of the 2018 West Coast League season. Grady Miller tossed six shutout innings and the AppleSox scored both of their runs in the fourth inning to pick up the victory at Royal Athletic Park.

Miller, using a heavy fastball and changeup diet of pitches, struck out three batters and only allowed two hits over his six innings of work to pick up the victory. 

The AppleSox struck in the fourth when the first three batters of the inning all reached base. Cory Meyer led off with a walk and scored two pitches later on an RBI double by Mason Moreno. Moreno's two-bagger was the only run-scoring base hit of the evening. 

Following Moreno's knock, Nolan McCaffery singled to put runners at first and third. During Joey Magro's at-bat, McCafferty took off for second and once Moreno saw the throw going towards second, he took off for home. Both runners were safe on the double-steal and it proved to be the difference in the game. 

Victoria scored its only run on a fielder's choice with the bases loaded in the eighth inning, but could not even the game up. The HarbourCats stranded seven runs in the game, and at least one in all but three innings.

Steen Fredrickson struck out two batters in a clean 1-2-3 ninth inning to pick up his first save of the season.

The AppleSox and HarbourCats will meet up again on Saturday with Curtis Bafus and Garrett Goodall, respectively, toeing the rubber.  First pitch is set for 6:35 at Royal Athletic Park.

APPLESOX 2018 SEASON BEGINS TONIGHT

APPLESOX (0-0)

v.s.

Victoria HarbourCats (0-0)

June 1-3

The AppleSox begin their 2018 season with a trip north of the border to take on the Victoria HarbourCats from June 1-3 at Royal Athletic Park.

Since the series started in 2013, the AppleSox and HarbourCats' series is tied 15-15. The HarbourCats have won seven of the 12 meetings in Victoria.

In their 18 previous seasons, the AppleSox have relished season-opening games. They've gone 12-6 in season-openers with seven of those wins against league opponents. When opening on the road to begin a season, the AppleSox are 4-1 and tonight will be the first time that they have begun a season in Canada.

Probable pitchers (all stats from this past collegiate season)

Tonight

AppleSox: Grady Miller (6-3, 4.65 ERA with Central Arizona)

HarbourCats: Ethan Fox (DNP in 2018 for Avila)

Saturday

AppleSox: Curtis Bafus (2-1, 3.81 ERA with VCU)

HarbourCats: Garrett Goodall (3-4, 5.79 ERA with Embry-Riddle)

Sunday

AppleSox: Hunter Boyd (2-7, 3.69 ERA with Idaho)

HarbourCats: Connor Nantkes (0-0, 6.00 ERA with Washington State)

Last year vs the Harbourcats

Last season, the AppleSox took four of the six meetings with the HarbourCats, including two of three in Victoria. The two teams played all six of their games from June 5-10, 2017, with the AppleSox take two of three in Wenatchee, then winning the first two in Victoria to claim the season series.

Roster breakdown

Of the eight returnees, the AppleSox are bringing back some important contributors from last years’ team. The AppleSox get back last summers’ best hitter (Jacob Prater, .356 batting average) and third-most used pitcher (McKabe Cottrell, 49.1 innings pitched) among a talented returning squad.

Now, they’ll look to add to that group with more talent. The AppleSox will have 18 players from Washington, including two from Wenatchee. Twenty players come from outside of Washington and come from as far away as Hawaii and as nearby as Oregon.

What’s next

Following the series with Victoria, the AppleSox return to Wenatchee and begin the home portion of their schedule on Tuesday, June 5 when they play the River City Athletics in the first of three consecutive games against three different non-league opponents. Tickets can be purchased on applesox.com.

Prior to the home opener, the AppleSox will hold their Fan Fest on Monday, June 4. Attendees will have the chance to watch the AppleSox practice, purchase tickets and get food and drinks at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. The Coyote will also be present as the team prepares for its 19th season. Admission is free to all fans.

FAN FEST SET FOR JUNE 4

Monday, June 4, the AppleSox will hold their annual Fan Fest at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. Fans are encouraged to come out and get their first look at the 2018 edition of the AppleSox by watching a live practice. The Fan Fest will run from 5-7 p.m. and is free to attend.

In addition to watching practice, fans will have the opportunity to pick up their season ticket packets or buy tickets for upcoming games.

There will be food and beverages available to purchase while at Fan Fest. Merchandise will be for sale so that fans can get gear to wear for games all summer.

The AppleSox’ mascot, the Coyote, will also be present to meet and greet fans.

The AppleSox open the 2018 season on Friday with the first of a three-game set against the Victoria HarbourCats north of the border. The first AppleSox home game comes on Tuesday, June 5 when they welcome the River City Athletics to Paul Thomas Sr. Field for the first of three consecutive games against three different non-league opponents. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX ANNOUNCE OWNERSHIP CHANGE

Jose Oglesby Takes the Helm as AppleSox Owner and Operator

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox has been sold by founder Jim Corcoran to Jose Oglesby, a former Microsoft manager. 

The team, entering its 19th year, will continue to play at Paul Thomas Sr. Field on the campus of Wenatchee Valley College. Assistant general manager and co-owner Ken Osborne will remain with the AppleSox and has been promoted to the team’s general manager and chief operating officer. Corcoran will stay on as an advisor with the team over the summer to assist with the transition.

The new owner, Jose Oglesby, is a lifelong baseball fan who grew up in Colombia and the Panama Canal Zone listening from far away to Major League Baseball radio broadcasts. After coming to the United States, Oglesby got the chance to attend hundreds of major and minor league games in person over the years.

“I’d like to thank all the fans, sponsors, coaches, and players that made owning and operating the AppleSox such a wonderful experience since our launch in 2000,” said Corcoran. “The last twelve years I have been extremely fortunate to work side-by-side with Ken Osborne. Ken became a part-owner and has been such an integral part of the AppleSox for over a decade, I know he will be fantastic in his new role. Between Jose’s vision for the future of the team and Ken’s promotion, this makes for the smoothest possible passing of the torch."

After a long career in software engineering including 26 years at Microsoft, Oglesby is realizing a lifelong dream by operating the AppleSox franchise. His goal is to continue the team’s commitment to customer service and community involvement.

“The AppleSox will continue to provide a wonderful entertainment value for the community. We will maintain all our current community relationships and develop new ones. We intend to maintain our tradition of excellence on and off the field,” said Oglesby.

Corcoran started the AppleSox in 2000 and has owned and operated the team since. The team has enjoyed considerable on-field success, winning five West Coast League Championships (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2012) and one Pacific International League Championship (2003). Eleven former AppleSox players have gone on to reach the major leagues, including Marco Gonzales of the Seattle Mariners and Jason Hammel of the Kansas City Royals.

The AppleSox open the season June 1, 2018 on the road against the Victoria HarbourCats, and play their home opener in Wenatchee June 5 against the River City Athletics. For more information, fans can visit www.applesox.com.

APPLESOX ANNOUNCE 2018 PITCHING STAFF; FINALIZE ROSTER

The Wenatchee AppleSox open play June 1, at the Victoria HarbourCats. and return home June 5 against the River City Athletics.

The Wenatchee AppleSox are welcoming 10 pitchers to join existing arms, Hunter Boyd, McCabe Cottrell, Connor McCord, Alek Jacob, Gerald Hein, Dawson Day, Drake Maningo, and Nick Seamons – as well as the team’s 18 other announced players to round out this season’s expected roster Head Coach Kyle Krustangel announced, Friday.

Jeremy Yelland, Hunter McMahon, Sam Wong, Karver Pate, Josh Harrington, Kyle Bosworth, Dylan Orlando, Brian Marquez, Troy Stainbrook, and Tyler Chipman round out the AppleSox expected 36-man roster.

Yelland, a Spokane native and freshman at the University of Hawaii, has worked in 22.1 innings this season for the Rainbow Wahine, tossing 24 strikeouts, while surrendering 16 earned runs. The left hander was formerly ranked the No. 3 high school southpaw in the state of Washington.

McMahon, a redshirt-freshman right hander at Coffeyville CC, hails from Kansas City, Mo. In 36.2 innings, he has registered 49 strikeouts for the Red Ravens. He has appeared in 10 games with seven starts.

Wong, a 6-4 junior left-handed pitcher from Boise, comes to the AppleSox from Montana State-Billings. This year, in 60.2 innings, the lefty has allowed just 34 earned runs, while tallying 37 strikeouts. He carries a 5.04 ERA and a 4-4 record. Previously, Wong pitched at Treasure Valley CC.

Pate, another left-handed option for Krustangel, has spent his redshirt-junior and redshirt sophomore seasons at Northern Colorado, after transferring fro Columbia Basin College. This year, the Spokane native has worked in 34 innings, with only a staggering 10 earned runs allowed. He has 36 strikeouts to 17 walks.

Harrington, from Missoula, Mont. represents a third pitcher for the AppleSox from MSU-Billings. In 15.2 innings, he has given up 16 earned runs and struck out 11 batters. He has a save this season.

Bosworth, a right-handed junior from Texas Rio Grande Valley has not appeared in a game for UTRGV this year after transferring from Pierce College. Last year he was 4-1 in 12 games including five starts. He threw 43.1 innings.

Orlando, a freshman lefty for Washington State University, has seen limited action for the Cougars this spring. In 3.1 innings, the Sin City native has given up two runs, with two strikeouts.  Over his high school career at Palo Verde in Las Vegas, he totaled 138 strikeouts and is originally from Fayetteville, N.C.

Marquez, a freshman lefty for UC Irvine, has also worked 3.1 innings this year. The San Diego native has given up three earned runs, while posting four strikeouts. Last year, as a senior at Rancho Bernardo HS, he tossed two no hitters.

Stainbrook, a towering 6-7 left-handed pitcher from Biola University, has been a workhorse this season for the Eagles. Over 61.1 innings, the Visalia native has allowed 29 earned runs and tossed 47 strikeouts. His 4.26 ERA is accompanied by a 5-3 record.

Chipman, a Cashmere native and commit to Gonzaga, has a season ERA of 0.93 for the Bulldogs. He has appeared in 15 innings and registered 28 strikeouts. He is also batting .406 with 13 hits and 12 RBI. His Cashmere HS Bulldogs are currently 18-2 including an 11-1 record in league play.

The Wenatchee AppleSox open their 19th season of play June 1, 2018 at the Victoria Harbourcats, and play their home opener in Wenatchee June 5 against the River City Athletics. For more information, fans can visit www.applesox.com.

APPLESOX WELCOME 2018 POSITION PLAYERS

17 new players now add to a 27-man roster for Head Coach Kyle Krustangel. The team's final roster announcement is set for Friday. 

Position players from 16 different collegiate institutions, will help patrol the field for the 2018 AppleSox, Head Coach Kyle Krustangel announced Monday.

With his second roster announcement, Krustangel welcomes 17 players to join 10 returners, named to the squad last week. The team’s final roster announcement will come Friday.

Johnny Sage, Collin Montez, Conrad McMahon, and Isaac Barrera will be outfielders for Wenatchee.

Sage, currently the NWAC’s leading hitter for Krustangel at Yakima Valley College, boasts a .408 batting average. He also leads the league with 63 RBI, 22 doubles, and 64 hits.

Montez, from Washington State, is batting .212 during his freshman year on the Palouse. The left-handed bat from Marysville and was a 2A All-State selection by the Lynden Tribune last year.

McMahon, of Texas Rio Grande Valley, is currently batting .317 for UTRGV with 23 RBI. He played last summer in the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

Barrera, from Gonzaga, is a .278 hitter for Coach Machtolf in Spokane. He has driven in 10 runs and chipped in three doubles to the Zags’ cause.

Dawson Bacho, Kody Darcy, Joey Magro, Cory Meyer, JT Schwartz, and Mason Marenco will all work on the infield.

Bacho, from Sacramento State, has not played yet this season for the Hornets, but started in 32 last season with a .243 average, 12 RBI, and 13 runs scored.

Darcy, a commit to Xavier University, will play for the Musketeers after a summer in Wenatchee. Currently a Kentridge Charger in Kent, Wash., Darcy will play in a playoff game for his HS team Tuesday afternoon.

Magro, from Biola, is hitting .332 for the Eagles this season, after leading the team in hitting a season ago. He has driven in 27 runs with 14 doubles this year in NCCAA play.

Meyer, from Washington State, hit .290 last season with 20 RBI for the Cougars, and has not played in 2018 for WSU. He was formerly a junior college player at Spokane Falls Community College.

Schwartz, a commit to UCLA, will come to the Bruins from Corona del Mar High School. He comes to the AppleSox as a career .379 hitter in high school, with 13 home runs, 25 doubles, and 124 hits.

Marenco, of Gonzaga, is a redshirt for the Zags this season. From Mount Si High School in North Bend, he hit .410 as a senior and was the KingCo 4A Player of the Year, as well as a First-Team All-State selection.

Dawson Day, Drake Maningo, and Nick Seamons are all listed as utility options for the 2018 AppleSox.

Day, has seen limited action this year in the field at Seattle U. In 7 games he has driven in two runs with a single hit. On the mound, he is 1-1 over 13 appearances and four starts. He has a 5.67 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 33.1 innings.

Maningo, also from Seattle U, has also only taken 8 at bats this year for the Redhawks. In 12 relief appearances, he has tallied an 8.22 ERA with an 0-1 record and has struck out 12 batters in 15.1 innings.

Seamons, an incoming freshman to Nevada, has hit .321 this year for Rancho Bernardo High School. He also has a 1.77 ERA with nine wins over 75.1 innings and 65 strikeouts this season. Opponents hit .164 against him.

Alix Garcia (20-game), Sam Swenson (20-game), and Nolan McCafferty (half-season) will all play on temporary or partial-season agreements for Wenatchee.

Garcia, who will be headed to Oklahoma State from Central Arizona College, has been a .368 hitter this season for the Vaqueros. He has 108 career RBI at CAC with nine home runs, including six this season.

Swenson, is batting .333 this year at George Fox University, and owns 71 career RBI, 10 home runs, and 89 hits for the Bruins.

McCafferty, from Pomona Pitzer, is hitting .296 on his freshman season for the Sagehens. He has driven in 32 runs with 42 hits, 10 RBI, and one home run.

The AppleSox final roster announcement, Friday, will highlight this year’s new pitchers.

The Wenatchee AppleSox open their 19th season of play June 1, 2018 at the Victoria Harbourcats, and play their home opener in Wenatchee June 5 against the River City Athletics. For more information, fans can visit www.applesox.com.

APPLESOX 2018 ROSTER HEADLINED BY 10 RETURNERS

Wenatchee native, Jacob Prater - the AppleSox leading hitter from a summer ago - will lead a group of ten returners back to the Valley this summer.

WENATCHEE, Wash. – 10 collegiagte baseball players with prior playing experience for the Wenatchee AppleSox will be on the club’s 2018 roster, Head Coach Kyle Krustangel announced, Wednesday.

Hunter Boyd, Connor McCord, Jake Taylor, Jacob Prater, Michael Spellacy, McCabe Cottrell, Gerald Hein, Steen Fredrickson, Jordan Rathbone, and Grady Miller all have spent summers in the Wenatchee Valley. Eight of the 10, with the exception of Rathbone and Miller, played for the AppleSox a season ago. Rathbone was a two-year member of the AppleSox in 2015 and 2016, while Miller, a Wenatchee native, played in just 2016.

Boyd, who has spent this spring at the College of Idaho, appeared in 11 games and made eight starts for Wenatchee last season. He went 3-2 with 53 strikeouts in 57.2 innings.

McCord, from perennial college powerhouse Western Oregon, was a two-way player for Wenatchee. Like Boyd, he went 3-2 with six starts over nine appearances a year ago. He tallied 39 strikeouts in 42.1 innings on the mound. He hit a home run and a double last season for the AppleSox to supply three RBI for his season.

Taylor and Prater will be two of four players on the 2018 AppleSox from Seattle U. The roommate tandem from a year ago features the team’s leading hitter in Prater (.359) and second-most played player in Taylor (41 games). Prater collected 47 hits including 17 for extra bases. He drove in 21 runs. Taylor tied for the second-most home runs on last year’s team with four, while also driving in 23 runs.

Cottrell, a pitcher from Gonzaga, really turned it on late last season as an incoming collegiate freshman. His second-to-last start of the year was a complete game two-hitter, for his first collegiate-level win at Port Angeles. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was nearly 3:1 last year, as he tallied 49 strikeouts with only 17 walks allowed. In 11 games, he made 7 starts.

Spellacy, also from Gonzaga, was a two-player last summer. He accumulated the team’s second-highest batting average at .356 and drove in seven runs. Also a relief pitcher, he appeared in 14 games last season for Wenatchee and posted 19 strikeouts with a 4.56 ERA.  

Hein, from LC State, started 3 games in June and struck out 14 batters in 15.1 innings. He allowed no more than six hits in each of his three starts.

Fredrickson of Montana State University-Billings pitched in 11 games with three starts last summer. He struck out 28 batters and posted a 5.18 ERA.

Rathbone has been playing this spring at South Mountain CC and brings a wealth of WCL plate appearances to this year’s club. Over two summers and 58 games, Rathbone was a .278 hitter for Wenatchee. He drove in 28 runs with 15 extra-base hits, including 5 triples during his two summers in the Wenatchee Valley.

In 2016, Miller went 3-4 for Wenatchee on the mound. Now headed to the University of San Diego, he hopes to build on his 10 starts for the AppleSox two summers ago. He will spend the first 15 days of his summer collegiate season in the Cape Cod League.

The AppleSox next wave of roster announcements will highlight this year’s new position players, followed by the pitchers in a later release.

The Wenatchee AppleSox open their 19th season of play June 1, 2018 at the Victoria Harbourcats, and play their home opener in Wenatchee June 5 against the River City Athletics. For more information, fans can visit www.applesox.com.

APPLESOX TAB JOEL NORMAN AS BROADCASTER/DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

WENATCHEE, Wash. – Wenatchee AppleSox owner Jim Corcoran announced Monday afternoon the hiring of Joel Norman as the team’s new radio play-by-play broadcaster and director of communications.

"I'm humbled and thrilled to become the next communications director and play-by-play broadcaster of the AppleSox. Trevor Williams left behind big shoes for me to fill, so I'm looking to live up to the example that he left behind and make my own mark with the AppleSox. I'm excited to move out to Wenatchee and get to know the community this summer."

Norman will come to Wenatchee after completing his undergraduate education at West Virginia University. Most recently he has served as a communications intern for the Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network, while also holding positions as a beat writer for the Daily Athenaeum, sports reporter and baseball producer for WWVU FM in Morgantown, technical assistant for the WVU IMG Sports Network, and sports reporter for Pirates Breakdown.

Norman’s previous baseball experiences include stints with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Butler Blue Sox. He also has served as a hockey play-by-play broadcaster at WVU each of the past two seasons.

“We’re confident that Joel will carry on a tradition of providing excellent radio broadcasts for the AppleSox. We’ve assembled one of the largest networks of radio coverage in the northwest and we know our fans love to listen to the games throughout north central Washington. Baseball on the radio creates a special experience for listeners, and I know Joel Norman will paint those pictures with skill and passion. We’re glad to have him on our team.”

Fans can hear Norman broadcast WCL Baseball on the AppleSox Radio Network, and flagship station Sunny FM. Wenatchee will carry all games, home and away, live throughout the 2018 season.

The Wenatchee AppleSox open their 19th season of play June 1, 2018 at the Victoria Harbourcats, and play their home opener in Wenatchee June 5 against the River City Athletics. For more information, fans can visit www.applesox.com.

APPLESOX HOT STOVE PARTY, JAN. 28!

Come gather around, warm up your winter, and talk baseball with the AppleSox! 

Shake off the winter blues with the AppleSox Baseball Club at the Abby’s Pizza location in Wenatchee, as we look forward to the 2018 season!

Hear from AppleSox Head Coach, Kyle Krustangel… and you could win some terrific AppleSox merchandise! 

The event is Sunday, Jan. 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Abby's Pizza in Wenatchee. 

FREE FOR APPLESOX SEASON TICKET HOLDERS AND SPONSORS. All other fans can attend for $15 per person, including a pizza and salad buffet. Beer and wine is available. 

**This event is for fans 21 years of age and older. 

RSVP to Ken Osborne by January 25th by calling (509) 665 6900 or e-mail ken@applesox.com

APPLESOX ANNOUNCE 2018 SCHEDULE

WENATCHEE– The Wenatchee AppleSox have finalized their schedule for the organization’s 19th season, the team announced Tuesday. The 59-game schedule features 54 West Coast League matchups and five non-league games, with one on the road, throughout June, July, and August.

The calendar features 31 home dates, with 27 of those games being league contests.

The AppleSox open up the year June 1-3 in league play at Victoria, before coming home June 5 to take on a trio of non-league opponents.

Opening Night Presented by Gesa Credit Union is scheduled for June 5, with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch against the River City Athletics. The Athletics were a new opponent for the AppleSox in 2017, and are comprised of junior college players from around the Northwest. Wenatchee won last years’ meeting 5-4, in an exciting contest.

The other two non-league opponents set to face the AppleSox June 6 and June 7 are the Northwest Honkers and Highline Bears. The only other meeting between the AppleSox and Honkers came June 12, 2014, when Wenatchee won 18-7. Wenatchee and Highline met a season ago, and the AppleSox will look to avenge an 8-5 loss from last season’s Hawaiian Night.

For the first time since 2004, Wenatchee will play a road non-league game. The AppleSox take on the Gresham GreyWolves (formerly of the WCL) on June 11 in Gresham, Ore.

The single game falls between back-to-back road series. The first of the two road league series surrounding the non-league matchup is in nearby Portland, against the WCL’s newest franchise, the Portland Pickles. After the non-league game, Wenatchee continues on to face Corvallis.

The AppleSox annual Fireworks Night and Fourth of July celebration, presented by Numerica Credit Union is July 3 against the Yakima Valley Pippins. First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m., and the AppleSox will wrap up the three-game series with the Pippins on Independence Day, July 4.

League home series include matchups with Kelowna, Walla Walla, Bend, Yakima, Bellingham, Portland, Cowlitz, and Port Angeles.

Wenatchee concludes the regular-season portion of its schedule on the road at Kelowna, Aug. 6-8, and the WCL Playoffs will follow.

The Wenatchee AppleSox open their 19th season of play June 1, 2017 at Victoria, and play their home opener in Wenatchee Tuesday, June 5, 2017. For more information, fans can visit www.applesox.com.

APPLESOX SEASON ENDS ON EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE

AppleSox players pause for a moment of silence, Monday at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The AppleSox payed their respects to teammate Tommy Watanabe, who passed away unexpectedly this past weekend. He was named the team's starting pitcher in the final game of 2017. His jersey was taken to the mound for the moment of silence and Anthem. Watanabe played with Wenatchee through July 22nd. Photo by Alyssa Taylor.

WENATCHEE, Wash. - The Wenatchee AppleSox (29-25, 14-13) finished the 2017 season in a 12-1 loss at home to the Corvallis Knights. More importantly, they were able to pay special tribute to teammate Tommy Watanabe, who passed away unexpectedly this past weekend, after playing with the AppleSox through July 22.

Watanabe was the starting pitcher in the team’s final game, and his teammates took his jersey to the mound one final time for a moment of silence and pregame Anthem.

A Sacramento native, Watanabe was headed to Nevada-Reno this fall, and previously pitched at the College of San Mateo.

The AppleSox organization sends its deepest condolences to Tommy’s family. They, and all who know him, will stay in the team’s hearts forever.

Wenatchee also honored each of its host families in the pregame, and would like to extend a warm ‘thank you’ to all who housed the players and staff this year. Without their willingness to make AppleSox team members part of their families each summer, 18 seasons of AppleSox Baseball wouldn’t be possible.

First and Second-Half South-Champion Corvallis, played to its WCL-leading record, Monday. The AppleSox converted late for their final run, following a single for Wenatchee product, Cody Simmons, and an RBI double for fellow former Wenatchee High School graduate, Jacob Prater.

In total, 42 young men donned the red, white, and blue, for the AppleSox this summer, and earned the team’s best finish since 2014.

Evan Johnson finished tied with Kelowna’s Taylor Wright for the new West Coast League record in Runs Batted In, with 54. They passed the old record of 51, held by Vince Fernandez (2014) of the Yakima Valley Pippins.

Collin Maier tied for the WCL lead with six wins, and the team finished with its best home run total, clubbing 32.

The team’s 16 home league wins (19 overall) were the most since the 2013 squad won 20 games in WCL play at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The AppleSox also set a league single-game scoring record, when they plated 25 at home, back in June against Yakima Valley.

Monday, fans had the opportunity to bid on the replica Wenatchee Chiefs uniforms that they players wore throughout the 2017 season, in honor of the 80th Anniversary of the establishment of the old Wenatchee Chiefs minor league baseball franchise in Wenatchee. A portion of the proceeds went to the Wenatchee High School Interact Club’s Habitat for Humanity Project.

Over 31,000 fans saw the AppleSox play in 2017, and the team couldn’t be more grateful for the support of the local community, sponsors, players, and coaching staff. The AppleSox say ‘thank you’ for a tremendous season, and can’t wait to continue the tradition next June, in the team’s 19th season.

AppleSox to Host Final Game of 2017, Monday - Host Family Appreciation and Chiefs Jersey Auction

The Wenatchee AppleSox (29-24, 14-12) will play host to first and second-half WCL South Champion, Corvallis, Monday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium in Wenatchee, after the Bellingham Bells secured a walk-off, 5-4, win over the AppleSox Sunday night, which eliminated Wenatchee from WCL Playoff contention.

Monday’s game is the third make up of the three-game series that was “smoked out” in Wenatchee last week. The result of the game decides if Victoria or Bellingham will serve as the WCL North Second Half Champion. It will be the AppleSox final game of the 2017 West Coast League season.

Any tickets from last week’s Tuesday-Thursday series vs. the Corvallis Knights can be exchanged for a ticket to Monday night’s game. It is also the last chance for fans to use 2017 MVP punch cards.

The AppleSox will hold Host Family Appreciation Night and the Chiefs Jersey Auction, Monday. Gates open at 6 p.m., with first pitch following at 7:05 p.m.

Sunday afternoon’s game in Bellingham saw the AppleSox jump to an early 4-0 advantage in the first three innings, but Wenatchee couldn’t hold off Bellingham late, as the Bells scored the game’s final five runs to walk off an RBI single for Kyle Stowers in the ninth inning.

If Wenatchee beats Corvallis, Monday, Bellingham will head to the WCL Playoffs as the North second-half champion, and if Corvallis wins, Victoria will represent the North as second-half champions.

Corvallis will play its Divisional round game Tuesday at Yakima Valley at County Stadium in Yakima. Kelowna will take on either Victoria or Bellingham.

The AppleSox would like to thank all 2017 sponsors, host families, and fans for a great season. They look forward to celebrating, Monday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium for one last time, this summer.